Leash law back on table in Clifton Park

The use of Mary Jane Row Dog Park, located on Vischer Ferry Road, a half mile south of Grooms Road, is restricted to town residents by permit only.

The current regulations also allow only one dog at a time in the exercise area unless the owner using the area provides consent to other dog owners to use the area with their pet. An adult 18 or older, according to the regulations, must also supervise dogs in the park.

During the public hearing in May, residents complained about the conditions at the dog park saying that the fenced in space provided is not large enough to adequately exercise large dogs.

"I think there probably would be definite support by the board to make qualitative improvements to the park," Hughes said. "We want to make it an even better location for dogs."

As far as opening up Kinns Road Park to unleashed dogs, Hughes said, "We know presently that a large number of dog owners walk their dogs there and we thought that made sense."

He also said that he understands the concerns of non-pet owners who currently use Kinns Road Park, but that they will have a new nature preserve in close proximity to Kinns Road Park. Dwaas Nature Preserve will be located down the street from the park for passive recreational uses according to Hughes.

"It's not set in stone," Hughes said of the proposed amendments. "We're very much looking forward to the public's input."

Residents concerned with the proposed amendments are encouraged to contact the council by mid-September when the council will make a decision on the amendments to the code.

To obtain a permit for the Mary Jane Row Dog Park, residents can visit www.cliftonpark.org and download an application or pick up an application at Town Hall.""